New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said they have busted a Jaish-e-Mohammed module in Srinagar and arrested five of its operatives, averting a major terror attack planned on January 26.
A large cache of incriminating material and explosive substances, including gelatine sticks, explosives, detonators, arms, explosive body vests, batteries and nitric acid, were recovered following searches based on their disclosures, said the police.
Central Kashmir Range Deputy Inspector General of Police VK Birdi said the police have arrested five persons who were active cadres of the proscribed terror outfit and were involved in recent terror incidents in Srinagar.
The five, who were were working towards executing sensational incidents like terror attacks and causing IED explosions, were nabbed in two phases, he said.
Giving details of the arrests, Birdi said a grenade explosion on January 8 near Habak crossing near Hazratbal area led to minor injuries to a few civilians. The police launched investigations into the incident and nabbed two suspects — Ajaz Ahmad Sheikh, a driver, and Umar Hameed Sheikh, a street vendor. Both are residents of Hazratbal area.
During the investigation, the two admitted to their role in the incident and provided leads to a similar attack near Kashmir University on November 26 last year, the officer added.
More raids were conducted and three more persons were apprehended — Imtiyaz Ahmad Chikla alias Imran, a sports shop owner, Sahil Farooq Gojri who has a private job, and Naseer Mir, a businessman. All are residents of Hazratbal, said Birdi. He added that further investigation indicated they were active cadres of the JeM.
The probe has revealed their motive to enforce shutdown and paralyse normal life in the city and further plans to execute sensational incidents like terror attack and causing IED explosions, Birdi said.
(With inputs from agencies)